Niceville standout commits to Mississippi State

Niceville's Savannah Boswell has committed to play soccer at Mississippi State University.

Special to the Daily News

By BRANDON WALKER / Daily News

Published: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 09:00 PM.

NICEVILLE ­- While on the field for Niceville High’s soccer program, defensive standout Savannah Boswell has the trust of Eagles’ head coach Michael Denton, and one reason is her ability to make quick decisions.

“Savannah plays center back for us, and her responsibility is to read the opponents and determine how they’re going to attack us,” said Denton. “From there, she decides how we’re going to defend it. It’s a very valuable skill and she is extremely good at it.”

Over the weekend, Boswell made what might be her most important decision yet.

While on a recruiting visit to Mississippi State University, Niceville’s senior defender committed to play collegiately for the Bulldogs, ending a recruiting process that included offers and interest from Troy, South Florida and Stetson among others. In the end, the chance to play in the Southeastern Conference proved to be a strong draw for Boswell.

“I really feel like I can fit into the program there,” said Boswell. “They have nice facilities and their program is built on strong morals. The coaches let me know that they view their program as a family, and everyone up there has each other’s backs. I really feel like I can go up there and keep getting better as a soccer player in a great environment.”

An All Sports Association/Northwest Florida Daily News All Area selection in both Soccer and Track and Field since she was a freshman, Boswell indicated she elected to pursue soccer over track and field in college primarily because she loves the team chemistry that soccer offers.

The Bulldogs, coached by Steve MacDonald, are off to a 7-3-1 start in 2012. For Boswell, though, the atmosphere around the program was especially appealing.

“It’s a smaller place than a lot of college towns,” said Boswell. “I loved how everyone up there is so fully invested in the school. I am looking forward to getting there and working my way to being a contributor.”

Working hard shouldn’t be a problem for Boswell. According to her high school coach, Boswell’s competitive nature and work ethic help to set her apart from others.

“The biggest thing about Savannah is her determination,” said Denton. “She is an absolute workhorse, and she’s very coachable. She’s one of the most competitive players I’ve seen. If she makes a mistake, or does something wrong, she will take it personally. And then she will get to work to fix the problem so that when it happens again, she will be ready. I have no doubt she will succeed at the next level.”

NICEVILLE ­- While on the field for Niceville High’s soccer program, defensive standout Savannah Boswell has the trust of Eagles’ head coach Michael Denton, and one reason is her ability to make quick decisions.

“Savannah plays center back for us, and her responsibility is to read the opponents and determine how they’re going to attack us,” said Denton. “From there, she decides how we’re going to defend it. It’s a very valuable skill and she is extremely good at it.”

Over the weekend, Boswell made what might be her most important decision yet.

While on a recruiting visit to Mississippi State University, Niceville’s senior defender committed to play collegiately for the Bulldogs, ending a recruiting process that included offers and interest from Troy, South Florida and Stetson among others. In the end, the chance to play in the Southeastern Conference proved to be a strong draw for Boswell.

“I really feel like I can fit into the program there,” said Boswell. “They have nice facilities and their program is built on strong morals. The coaches let me know that they view their program as a family, and everyone up there has each other’s backs. I really feel like I can go up there and keep getting better as a soccer player in a great environment.”

An All Sports Association/Northwest Florida Daily News All Area selection in both Soccer and Track and Field since she was a freshman, Boswell indicated she elected to pursue soccer over track and field in college primarily because she loves the team chemistry that soccer offers.

The Bulldogs, coached by Steve MacDonald, are off to a 7-3-1 start in 2012. For Boswell, though, the atmosphere around the program was especially appealing.

“It’s a smaller place than a lot of college towns,” said Boswell. “I loved how everyone up there is so fully invested in the school. I am looking forward to getting there and working my way to being a contributor.”

Working hard shouldn’t be a problem for Boswell. According to her high school coach, Boswell’s competitive nature and work ethic help to set her apart from others.

“The biggest thing about Savannah is her determination,” said Denton. “She is an absolute workhorse, and she’s very coachable. She’s one of the most competitive players I’ve seen. If she makes a mistake, or does something wrong, she will take it personally. And then she will get to work to fix the problem so that when it happens again, she will be ready. I have no doubt she will succeed at the next level.”